The singer of popular K-Drama OSTs 10cm has been influenced by many Filipino songwriters and even collaborated with TJ Monterde. Who should be next?
Much like K-Pop, Filipinos also grew a love for all things K-Drama, whether it is romance, drama, or thriller. Now on his second visit to the Philippines, 10cm, acoustic musician and singer of many K-Drama OSTs such as Crash Landing on You, Start-Up, and Lovely Runner, talked with MEGA regarding his recent collaboration with Filipino artist TJ Monterde, plans of collaborating with more artists, and of course, his creative process in writing his hits.
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Collaborations with Filipino Artists
What started as a simple cover grew into a great friendship that eventually led to a blossoming collaboration of talented musicians. Much like last year’s concert, TJ Monterde invited the Korean singer to perform on the last day of his concert a few days ago, performing and dedicating a song he wrote entitled “TJ Monterde.” The two singers also performed a song they wrote together called “Silver.”
10cm admitted that his collaboration with the Filipino artist came unexpectedly quick. “I wondered what our voices together would sound like,” the Korean artist thought, also considering how 10cm’s Korean lyrics would match the melody. “But after the recording, I was amazed at the outcome!” Just from their rendition of “Palagi,” both the artists’ voices were in complete harmony with each other, similar to their newest song together.
The Korean artist has also done a cover of Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila,” which makes us wonder about his fondness for Filipino music. “My music has been influenced by Filipino songwriters,” the artist shared, expressing how 10cm has learned a lot from Original Pilipino Music. “Off the top of my head, the artists that have influenced me lately are TJ Monterde, Zack Tabudlo, and Lola Amour. Once the opportunity comes up, I’d be happy to collaborate with more Filipino artists!”
Writing Soundtrack Hits
The influence of Korean pop culture spread globally like wildfire, from Korean music to films and series. In the Philippines, Korea’s culture and its influence aren’t new, but they certainly grew over the years. K-Dramas like Crash Landing on You, Start-Up, Lovely Runner, Hotel del Luna, and Queen of Tears are some of those that Filipinos loved—and 10cm had his own contributions to their soundtracks whether it’s writing, singing, or both.
“Crash Landing on You‘s soundtrack was a gift to me,” the Korean artist explained gratefully. While he didn’t write its lyrics, 10cm’s voice and the melody of the song made the soundtrack so distinct and memorable to the audience. Whether the artist is writing or singing, he makes sure to give all his energy to make sure his music reaches his audience.
“The process of writing a song is always different, but I would give all my effort to that song, to give my voice to the drama itself.”
– 10cm on his songwriting process
Featured Image and Photos: CORNERSTONE
